The Southside is one of Jacksonville’s most popular and fastest-growing areas – and it’s easy to see why. Convenient highway access, proximity to major employment centers, a huge variety of shopping and dining options, and a wide range of housing types make it an attractive choice for buyers who prioritize convenience and value over historic character.
This is not a neighborhood in the traditional sense. The Southside is a broad area covering multiple zip codes and dozens of subdivisions, stretching from the urban core out toward the beaches. It is newer, more suburban, and more car-dependent than Jacksonville’s historic neighborhoods – but for the right buyer, that is exactly what they are looking for.
The Southside is home to St. Johns Town Center, one of the region’s largest and most popular outdoor shopping destinations, with hundreds of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options all in one place. The area around Town Center has seen significant growth in recent years with new apartments, townhomes, and mixed-use developments continuing to expand.
The University of North Florida is located in the Southside, bringing a younger demographic and a steady rental market to the area. Major employers including financial services firms, healthcare facilities, and corporate offices are concentrated here, making it a practical choice for buyers who work on the Southside and want a short commute.
Housing on the Southside ranges from affordable condos and townhomes to newer single-family subdivisions and larger homes in established communities. Most of the housing stock dates from the 1980s onward – newer construction than Jacksonville’s historic neighborhoods, with the maintenance advantages that come with that.
The Southside attracts a wide range of buyers – young professionals who work nearby, families who want good schools and newer homes, investors looking at the rental market near UNF, and buyers relocating to Jacksonville who want a low-maintenance, highly connected lifestyle. It is one of the most liquid markets in the city, with consistent demand and a wide pool of buyers when it comes time to sell.
The Southside market is wide-ranging. Entry level starts in the $100s for condos, with townhomes and single-family homes ranging from the $200s through the $500s and beyond for larger or newer construction homes in established communities.
Q: Is the Southside a good place to buy in Jacksonville? A: For buyers who prioritize convenience, newer construction, and easy access to shopping, dining, and employment, yes. It is one of Jacksonville’s most popular and consistent markets. It does not have the architectural character or walkable neighborhood feel of the historic districts, but it offers real value and practicality.
Q: What is the Southside close to? A: St. Johns Town Center, the University of North Florida, major healthcare facilities, and some of Jacksonville’s largest employers. Interstate access is excellent, making it easy to get to downtown, the beaches, or anywhere else in the city.
Q: What types of homes are available on the Southside? A: A wide variety – condos, townhomes, single-family homes in planned subdivisions, and newer construction. Most of the housing stock was built from the 1980s onward.
Q: Do you work in the Southside? A: Yes – while my primary focus is Jacksonville’s historic neighborhoods, I work all over the city including the Southside. If you are considering a Southside purchase or sale, call or text me at 904-710-5702 and I am happy to help.
